A Democratic presidential candidate has not won North Carolina since 2008. But the drama around Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the Republican nominee for governor, is sure to bolster their hopes.

After decades, and controversy, the Vatican has authorized public worship at a shrine in Bosnia, where a once tranquil village has become a major pilgrimage site.

It remained unclear whether the man, Panos Anastasiou, came close to carrying out his threats, and public records indicate that he is not affiliated with any political party.